HK P30 Slide Releases with Mag Insertion - Intended?

[mattx109]

On my first trip to the range with my P30, I discovered that inserting a magazine with any kind of authority causes the slide to release. It occurred with both loaded and unloaded magazines, but unloaded magazines required much more force to cause the slide to release.

An old thread at hkpro.com meandered around the issue. Some said it was by design (I can't find any reference to this function in the manual) and others said it was a normal "unofficial" function of all semi-autos. I've previously owned a USP-C among many other semi-autos and never had this happen, even after many rounds.

It doesn't interfere with my shooting, but it does interfere with my reloading. I release the slide by cupping the top of the gun with my left hand and racking. If the slide is released when I insert the mag, I'm ejecting a live round and potentially causing myself problems if that round doesn't clear. At the range, it's easy for me to note that the slide released. Under stress, I have to assume I'm going to revert to the motion I've drilled.

Any definitive word on whether this is an intended function or a malfunction?

 

[markk]

A 10 year old answer (re the USP) is available here...http://www.streetpro.com/usp/uspfaq.html#15

 

[HorseSoldier]

My old USP9F would do the same thing pretty consistently, though not reliably enough that you could really depend on it.

But I've had M9 Berettas and Glock 19s do the same thing.

I'd go with the "possible occurrence on most any magazine fed semi auto pistol" theory.

It doesn't interfere with my shooting, but it does interfere with my reloading. I release the slide by cupping the top of the gun with my left hand and racking.

The slide release and your non-firing thumb occupy close to the same space for a reason. I'd recommend going that route in favor of slingshotting, which is a slower technique and doesn't really bring anything to the table despite occasional internet claims to the contrary.

 

[Guns and more]

My P-30 has never done this. I do think it's the easiest slide release effort in my inventory. Perhaps I don't slam my magazines home as hard as you do.

 

[Storm]

This is fairly common. Steyrs have been known to do the same thing.

If regular insertion doesn't do it and slamming it home does, I can see this as a very useful aspect of the gun.